Rose 
quartz is the most popular variety of quartz. It has been used since ancient times for jewelry and carved pieces, including lamp bases, statues, and ashtrays. The most valuable and rare variety of rose quartz is transparent and so pale, it is almost colorless. Most rose quartz is cut as a cabochon or as rounded beads, as it is too cloudy to be faceted. Rose quartz can be imitated by glass. This process aims to replicate not only the color of the stone, but also the internal streaks the stone possesses. This process produces air bubbles, which are visible under a lens.
Rose quartz comes in a variety of unique colors, which are due to tiny impurities of manganese, titanium or iron. It can be various shades of pink, from peach to light pink to deep pink. Finer deep pink shades of rose quartz are more rare and valuable. Stones can fade to gray over time, as a result of exposure to air and sunlight, as rose quartz is heat sensitive. In fact, when heated and radiated, rose quartz will turn black, a process sometimes used to create rare black quartz. Some rose quartz stones may not have a continuous look, showing areas of streaks or cloudy patches within the stone. This is caused by internal cracks. Rose quartz is actually the only type of quartz that is somewhat brittle. It tends to crack easily if exposed to sharp blows. Rose quartz also tends to be somewhat milky due to minute inclusions of foreign substances within the stone. Rose quartz rates a 7 on the hardness scale. It has a glassy to vitreous luster, and is generally translucent to opaque. It is rarely transparent. Very rarely, rose quartz is found with rutile needle inclusions, showing a star-like luminous figure (called asterism) in the stone. Usually, this phenomenon is only seen when light is shone on a stone. With rose quartz however, this phenomenon is only visible when light is shone through the stone.
Most rose quartz is found near the core of pegmatites. It is found in anhedral masses, meaning unusual massive or lump forms. Rose quartz crystals have been found in Minas Gervais, in southeast Brazil, but crystals are very rare. Rose quartz is actually the only variety of quartz that is not found abundantly in crystal form. Most rose quartz is mined in Minas Gervais, Brazil, Pala, California, and Maine. The most highly prized specimen are mined in Antsirabe, in central Madagascar. Other occurrences are in Vama, Nuristan, in northeast Afghanistan; Quadeviile, Renfrew County, in Ontario, Canada, and the Bavarian Forest in southern Germany. In the United States, rose quartz has been found in Fremont County, Colorado, Oxford County, Connecticut and Grafton, New Hampshire. Rose quartz can also be found in various other locations around India, Madagascar, South Africa, and Japan.
Rose quartz has many remedial attributes. Medically, it said to be extremely helpful in treating those who suffer from Alzheimers, Parkinsons and senile dementia. The stone is also said to strengthen the physical heart and circulatory system. It can also help problems with the chest and lungs and complexion. It is beneficial for those who suffer from vertigo, as well as those with fertility problems. Psychologically, rose quartz has always been believed to be a stone of unconditional love and infinite peace. It is one of the most important crystals for the heart. It increases compassion and teaches forgiveness, helping one to move on from painful situations and relationships. It also helps those who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, comforting the wearer in times of grief.
